Lonely chicken

[Irishjustin]

One of my ladies passed away last night leaving a lonely chicken. I have 2 more coming in a few days. Is there anything I can do to keep her busy until they arrive? Also when they do arrive is ok to put them in with her straight away?

 

[gimmie birdies]

2 more adults? I would put them together at night. You should not have much trouble since it is her pen, the other hens will probably look up to her.

 

[Bonkerelli]

I am so sorry that you lost a chicken. It is never fun...

 

[Irishjustin]

2 more adults? I would put them together at night. You should not have much trouble since it is her pen, the other hens will probably look up to her.

2 point of lay, I was hoping that would be the case. They have plenty of room to free range during the day. Do you think they will be ok to be let out of pen straight away or should I keep them in a few days? Kept first 2 in but kinda hoping new girls will follow her lead. Thanks

 

[Irishjustin]

I am so sorry that you lost a chicken. It is never fun...

Thanks, first one to go

 

[AntiqueB]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Even though it's hard, I would quarantine the new birds for 30 days. You don't want new diseases arriving with them.

A good way to introduce them is by putting them near each other, but with a fence between. That way, they can see each other and get used to each other, but can't hurt each other. Food placed along the fence line can help them learn to eat together.

Once you have everyone together, they may need to stay in the coop or run for a few days to get used to going into the coop in the evenings, rather than trying to roost outside, possibly where you can't reach them.

Good luck!

 

[Irishjustin]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Even though it's hard, I would quarantine the new birds for 30 days. You don't want new diseases arriving with them.

A good way to introduce them is by putting them near each other, but with a fence between. That way, they can see each other and get used to each other, but can't hurt each other. Food placed along the fence line can help them learn to eat together.

Once you have everyone together, they may need to stay in the coop or run for a few days to get used to going into the coop in the evenings, rather than trying to roost outside, possibly where you can't reach them.

Good luck!

Thanks for the good advice!